Who Is UU?

When Will first started attending Unitarian Universalist Church in Meriden, about a year ago, he wasn’t sure what to expect. “I had this anxiety about coming into a new group of people. It’s intimidating, but everyone made me feel like I was supposed to be here.” Will said that whether or not he was able to attend every week, every time he attended he felt welcome. “I’ve always gotten that vibe from pretty much everyone here.”

Will said that since then he’s particularly enjoyed learning how our congregation practices. He’s enjoyed “things like the flower ceremony – uniquely new and different kinds of traditions”. Another big draw for Will is the justice and activism-focus of UU as a whole and of this congregation.

Will is passionate about his activism around disability awareness – “Just being able to say ‘yeah, I’m autistic’ and advocating and just talking about my experience.” Despite not getting a formal diagnosis until he became an adult, Will feels like he’s known that he’s neurodivergent his whole life. Will suggested that this delay in his diagnosis might be related to gender, “I’m also trans, growing up as a girl, and there’s a lot of research about how autism is different in women and girls.”

Will is currently a student, studying environmental systems and sustainability. His most interesting course this semester is a class about global climate change. He’s excited to take more biology next semester. ”I really like biology. I was always afraid of it because I’m bad at math, but I decided I’ll do it as a minor and I really enjoy it.”

Will lives in Meriden with his grandparents, and with 4 pets – his grandfather’s dog, Will’s cat, and two parakeets. “The cat is also a family pet,” he said, “but she’s also my baby. I got her when she fit in my hands. She’s 13 now”. The parakeets get time to explore his room when the cat is down in the basement.

In his free-time – limited by his studies – Will enjoys reading. He likes non-fiction, and has a collection of nature and bird books. Additionally, Will told me he enjoys going to tag sales and “getting thrifty.” Will said that finding something used is fulfilling in lots of ways – it makes him feel like he’s doing something for the environment, it’s fun to travel for a search, and “I just love getting a good deal!”

Will’s presence in our community – advocating for disability awareness, studying environmental sustainability, or just being his authentic self – is a wonderful addition. I’m grateful for the chance to get to know him, and I hope we all continue making him feel like he belongs in our congregation at UU Meriden.